Phillip Schofield set for big clash with Dancing On Ice ‘quitter’ Gemma Collins

Phillip Schofield has set himself up for a fiery clash with Gemma Collins – if she makes it to the Dancing On Ice series opener.

The This Morning host has repeated shock claims that he first told Mirror Online earlier this month , insisting that Gemma is a "quitter".

Phillip is not sure whether viewers will actually get to see The GC perform on the ice when the show returns to screens in the New Year.

The Dancing On Ice presenter actually told Gemma it would be a "miracle" if she makes it to the first show, something she will surely address if she does perform on Sunday 6th January.

However, Phil did admit that the reality TV star, who is partnered with professional skater Matt Evers, "does seem very committed" and could be a dark horse in the competition.

Phillip and Gemma could clash on the ice
(Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

Gemma is partnered with pro skater Matt Evers
(Image: ITV)

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Speaking ahead of the series launch, Phillip said: "I think the nation is intrigued to see Gemma. Now we know who she is partnered up with and Matt will be absolutely brilliant with her.

"I’ve said it to Gemma, “if you make the first show it’ll be a miracle” and she does seem very committed. We all know Gemma for being a bit of a quitter so I’m hoping she’ll be there for that first show.

"I think she’ll be actually very good! I think she is surprisingly good, so I think that would be great to see."

Gemma Collins and Matt Evers will be hoping to go all the way
(Image: Getty)

Phillip believes the celebrities underestimate the work that needs to go into training when they sign up for the show.

The presenter has first hand of experience of getting on the ice as he performed a routine in 2014.

He said: "There are little things that you forget and little things you didn’t know. If you fall over on the ice, you pull your hands in because the last thing you want is someone to skate over your fingers because they would chop your fingers off!

"I think there is a lot that people forget. To get your boots to fit properly they have to walk around their kitchens with their boots on, for weeks, until those boots feel comfortable!

"I’ve done amateur skating and obviously with the routine I did with Christine and you think ‘God, this hurts so much!’ So, those celebs whose skates have been stolen out the back of their cars, a lot of people would think ‘oh, that’s a shame’ but in actual fact that is stealing something that you have worked so hard to make them fit like a glove.

"There are many aspects that perhaps if you are watching it, you don’t realise how tough it is. Hopefully this year they’ll all look after their boots!"

Gemma is determined and full of confidence
(Image: ITV)

TOWIE star Gemma, 37, famously pulled out of I’m A Celebrity after only a few days but seems to be enjoying her time on the ice.

Speaking to Mirror Online, Phillip previously said that Gemma is "something of a quitter" by her own admission.

The This Morning presenter is "thrilled" that Gemma has joined this year’s stellar line-up and hopes she will make it to the first show.

Phillip told us: "Obviously we’ve got Gemma. I’ve said this to her if she makes it to the first show I’ll be really thrilled.

"By her own admission Gemma is something of a quitter when it comes to these sort of things.

"I’m absolutely thrilled that Gemma is doing it."

*Dancing On Ice starts on Sunday 6th January on ITV at 6pm

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